Ever since the Golan Heights Winery created the lush, upscale Yarden Katzrin wine brand in the 1990s, connoisseurs of fi ne wines have eagerly anticipated the release of each new vintage. Recently, the Golan Heights Winery released its newest edition— 2012 Yarden Katzrin—which lovers of premium red wines will be able to relish for years.
The 2012 Yarden Katzrin wine is produced from various vineyards located in the Golan Heights region, considered to be the best appellation in Israel. The Golan Heights picturesque vineyards are located on volcanic, mineral-rich plateaus, rising between 400 and 1200 meters in height.
The 2012 Yarden Katzrin vintage, which features 83 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Merlot, 5 percent Petit Verdot and 2 percent Malbec, is aged as an individual lot for 18 months in new French oak barrels. After blending, the wine is aged in the very same barrels for another six months, which transforms the wine into a spectacular treat for the palate—bursting with incredible, robust flavors! The quality of the wine is such that it will actually improve in the bottle over time, up to 20 years from the harvest!
According to Victor Schoenfeld, Head Winemaker, Golan Heights Winery, Yarden Katzrin is Israel’s first “iconic” wine. “The fi rst releases of Golan Heights Winery wines in the 1990s proved that Israel could make high-quality wines, and this knowledge spurred the whole wine industry forwards. The release of 1990 Yarden Katzrin had a similar effect. In one moment, the glass ceiling of Israeli wine quality was shattered, allowing all producers to enlarge their vision, giving them permission to dream bigger dreams and pursue ever-greater quality,” Schoenfeld boasted.
“With the release of the 2012 Katzrin, we are still making that vote of confidence—and we are now more confident than ever. As we’ve gained more experience and knowledge, we’ve developed a stronger belief in the potential
of this amazing region, its special wines and its spirited people.”
And Schoenfeld revealed that the 2012 Yarden Katzrin highlights special qualities. “First, the 2012 Katzrin is the 10th release of the wine. Second, the rule with Katzrin is that we only use Bordeaux varieties. This is the fi rst time we have used four varieties in the blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec,” said Schoenfeld. “Many people were involved, from the vineyard to the bottle, in the making of the 2012 Katzrin. We hope consumers will enjoy the efforts, and that this special wine can help celebrate some special occasion.”
Because of its unique qualities, the 2012 Yarden Katzrin was produced in a limited edition of only 54 barrels. In other words, if you wait too long, you’ll miss out on reveling
in one of the most carefully crafted wines in Israel.
For more information about the Golan Heights Winery and the Yarden Katzrin wine visit their website at www.golanwines.co.il/ en/Our-Wine-Experience/Labels/ Yarden/Yarden-Katzrin.
